How do I properly “mud and tape” wallboard?
Start by investing in quality tools. Take good care of them and they will last you a lifetime. To achieve quality results, essential tools include: – 5″ taping knife … used for basic mud application and laying in drywall tape. This will be your most often used tool. Buy a knife with a brass butt on the handle so you can use it to knock back any protrusions that you find as you are mudding and taping. – a hand held mud box with a removable metal edge. Usually plastic, the metal edge serves to scrape the mud off of your 5″ mud knife. The metal edge is removeable to it can be thoroughly cleaned. – A corner trowel. When you learn to use this tool correctly, it will make quick work of 90 degree corners. – An 8″ drywall knife. – A 12″ drywall knife. – A hand held sanding block and the appropriate sandpaper. The above mentioned tools will see you through most drywall do-it-yourself drywall finishing jobs. They are readily available at any home center or hardware store. Total cost should be
